Nigeria Women’s Handball Squad Revealed for Inaugural IHF Nations Trophy

Coach Michael Taangahar has selected 16 players for Nigeria’s campaign at the inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III in Burkina Faso.

Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Handball Team has named its final 16-player squad for the inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III, scheduled to take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Head coach Michael Taangahar has selected the players following several weeks of preparation at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The Nigerian team is continuing its preparations ahead of the historic first edition of the competition.

Nigeria set for Women’s Nations Trophy debut

The tournament represents a new opportunity for Nigeria’s senior women’s handball team to compete for honours in a newly established competition.

Nigeria will open its campaign against Ghana before facing hosts Burkina Faso in its second group match.

As part of the final preparations, the Nigerian team is also expected to travel to Benin Republic for a number of friendly matches before heading to Ouagadougou.

Coach Taangahar names final 16

The final Nigeria squad consists of:

1. Bisi Oyewusi

2. Matthew Esther

3. Ahamefula Chinemerem

4. Sunday Hope

5. Ovetuo Rachael

6. Saaloo Daina

7. Audu Mercy

8. Emuore Enifome

9. Modebe Queen

10. Yusuf Toyin

11. Babatunde Taiwo

12. Ogbusimba Childera

13. Musa Sadiya

14. Nuhu Wuraola

15. Onyekwere Lucy

16. Muhammad Bilkisu

Taangahar will be assisted by Innocent Chukwuma Nwankwo, who serves as assistant head coach.

Nigeria’s fixtures

Nigeria will begin its campaign against West African rivals Ghana.

🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Ghana 🇬🇭

Thursday, September 3, 2026

The senior women will open their Nations Trophy campaign against Ghana.

🇧🇫 Burkina Faso vs Nigeria 🇳🇬

Friday, September 4, 2026

Nigeria will then face tournament hosts Burkina Faso in its second group fixture.

The team will be hoping to make a strong start and put itself in contention for honours in the inaugural competition.

Final preparations underway

With the squad now confirmed, Taangahar and his coaching staff will focus on completing preparations before the team's departure for Burkina Faso.

The planned friendly matches in Benin Republic are expected to provide the players with further match practice before the competitive action begins.

For Nigeria, the inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III provides another opportunity for the senior women's team to compete internationally and establish itself in the new competition.

The squad is set. The preparations are nearing completion. Nigeria’s women are ready for Ouagadougou.